Why Tummy Time Is Essential—and How to Make It Fun
Tummy time for babies is one of the most important activities you can start early in your baby’s development. Backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), tummy time plays a vital role in helping your baby build strength, coordination, and confidence.
It also helps prevent flat spots on the back of your baby’s head—a condition known as positional plagiocephaly—which can develop when babies spend too much time lying on their backs.
Why Tummy Time for Babies Is So Important
In the 1990s, the AAP began recommending that all infants be placed on their backs to sleep, which significantly reduced the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, this change meant that babies were spending much less time on their stomachs during the day.
Tummy time helps correct that imbalance by:
- Encouraging neck and core strength
- Supporting gross motor development (rolling, crawling, sitting)
- Relieving pressure on the back of the head
- Promoting early exploration and head-turning
AAP Tummy Time Guidelines
According to AAP guidelines, you can begin tummy time as soon as your baby is home from the hospital.
Recommendations:
- Start with 2–3 sessions per day, each lasting 3–5 minutes
- By 2 months, aim for 15–30 minutes daily (total)
- Always supervise tummy time while baby is awake and alert
- Use a firm, safe surface (blanket on the floor is great)
How to Make Tummy Time Successful (and Less Stressful for You Both!)
Tummy time can feel uncomfortable for babies at first—but with consistency and a few fun strategies, it can become a favorite part of the day.
Make It Work With These Tips:
- Keep it positive! If baby fusses, keep sessions short but repeat often
- Choose a time when baby is alert and not right after feeding
- Use a mirror or soft toy to keep baby engaged
- Lie baby on your chest—this still counts and is a great bonding experience
- Sing or talk to baby during tummy time
- Gradually increase session length as baby gets stronger
What to Avoid
- Avoid leaving baby unsupervised
- Don’t force long sessions too early—build gradually
- Minimize extended time in swings, bouncers, or car seats, which can contribute to flat spots
- Never do tummy time during sleep
The Bottom Line
Tummy time isn’t just an exercise—it’s a joyful part of your baby’s daily discovery. Each minute spent on their tummy helps them build the strength, balance, and confidence they’ll need for rolling, crawling, and exploring the world around them. By making tummy time a fun, loving routine—filled with smiles, songs, and encouragement—you’re giving your baby the best possible start on their developmental journey. Every second counts, and every lift is a step toward a stronger, happier little explorer.
